FOR COUNTRY AND WOMAN

4 | INITIAL RESEARCH

Suffragettes had been fighting for the right to vote for decades before the eventual ratification on the 19th Amendment. Throughout the movement, several notable women were identified as leaders in the struggle for universal suffrage—Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.

Stanton is best known for her work in drafting the “Declaration of Sentiments,” a revised version of the “Declaration of Independence that included the stipulation that both men and women were created equal. At the time it was revolutionary to assert that the two genders could stand on equal ground; however, this push back from society did not stop these women or their constituents. vocabulary PICKETING: A form of protesting in which individuals assemble outside a particular location. ABRIDGED: The act of curtailing a specific right or privilege. Anthony is more well-known for the actions she took during the suffrage movement. She traveled around the country to garner support for the movement and gave speeches wherever she went; no matter what, she never missed an opportunity to let her voice be heard. One particular event of note was when Anthony was arrested for “illegally” voting. She famously refused to pay the $100 fine and never paid a penny.

These two women were crucial figures in the struggle for the 19th Amendment. Truth be told, however, that the fight did not end in 1920. While we must honor the impact of these women, we must also recognize that we continue to fight to this day.

Mr. President: American suffragists protest about voting rights outside the White House.